5 Things to do in Manitowoc County: Dec. 9-11

Ron Christianson of Reedsville drives his team of horses into position to pick up a group for a sleigh ride during “Holiday in History” at Pinecrest Historical Village in December 2009. The village will host a 19th-century Christmas Saturday, Dec. 10.(Photo: USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)Buy Photo

MANITOWOC - Need a break from trimming the tree and icing the Christmas cookies? Here's a look at a few things going on around Manitowoc County to keep you in holiday cheer:

1. An old-fashioned Christmas

Pinecrest Historical Village is decorated with plenty of green and red for the holidays, and will host a celebration of 19th-century Christmas tales and holiday customs Saturday, Dec. 10. The event will feature storytelling, caroling, doing crafts, as well as food samplings from cherished recipes. You can also meet a 19th-century Santa for a one-of-a-kind photo.

Baked goods, hot cider and hot chocolate will be for sale, with proceeds to benefit youth education programs. And the museum's store offers historically-themed gifts.

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 924 Pinecrest Road. Cost is $10 for adults; $7 for children 5-17, and free for children younger than 5. No admission fee for Manitowoc County Historical Society members.

2. Elf Junior heads to New York

Buddy (Lincoln High School senior Sam Schoepp) offers a snow globe as an apology to Jovie (Lincoln High School junior Julie Rohrer).(Photo: Provided)

Treehouse Theater presents the musical Elf Junior, based on the 2003 hit movie starring Will Ferrell. The play follows a boy to the North Pole, where he is raised lovingly by Santa's elves. After growing into an adult and struggling to make toys, Buddy learns his real father is on Santa's Naughty List and his half-brother is among a large group of people who no longer believe in the jolly one. Buddy, still wearing his elf clothing, heads to New York City in an effort to win over his new family. He is determined to help all people remember the true meaning of the holidays.

Four performances will be held at the University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc University Theater, 705 Viebahn St.: at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, and Friday, Dec. 9; and 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, and Sunday, Dec. 11.

Cost is $12 for those 4 and older. Students ages 4-18 can attend Thursday's performance for $5.

3. Marine Band chili supper

Buy Photo

Courtnie Kulas plays the euphonium during the opening night for the Manitowoc Marine Band in June 2012.(Photo: USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

The Manitowoc Marine Band is hosting a fund-raiser chili dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, followed by a 7 p.m. concert at the Manitowoc Senior Center, 3330 Custer St.

There is no charge for the "Rhapsody of Carols" event, and a cookie social will follow the concert. Santa will make a special appearance, and the Marine Band will be joined by some members of the Two Rivers Municipal Band.

4. Meet some artists

Buy Photo

.(Photo: USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

Hamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum in Two Rivers will host a free closing reception for its current exhibition — Really Big Prints — from 5 to 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10, at 1816 10th St.

Visitors can meet participants and artists, and also learn to learn about making art with a steamroller, using the roller to transfer ink from a relief matrix, often wood or plastic, onto paper. The unique prints on display are limited edition and were created in July at the University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc.

5. Good deals at giant rummage sale

Used book sale.(Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Looking for some last-minute gifts or a little something for yourself?

You may find something at a big rummage sale set for 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Manitowoc County Expo Center, Expo Drive.

More than 130 tables will be filled with clothing, antiques, collectibles, makeup products from Mary Kay and Avon, and more.

Cost is 50 cents, and you can stop by the A&W concessions area in the merchants building for refreshments.